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New Delhi: The Indian Army on Wednesday successfully tested the indigenously developed Akash Prime (Akash Prime) air defense system at an altitude of over 15,000 feet in the Ladakh sector. The test was conducted in collaboration with senior officials of the Indian Army and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). DRDO has developed this system. During the test, surface-to-air missiles made two direct hits on extremely high-speed aircraft in the high-altitude region. The test was successful.
What is Akash Prime air defense system?
Akash Prime is basically an advanced version of the Akash system, with an improved seeker system for better accuracy, especially in challenging weather and terrain. Akash had proven its effectiveness in the battlefield during Operation Sindoor, where it was deployed to counter aerial threats from Pakistan. The system had successfully shot down Chinese aircraft and Turkish-made drones used by the Pakistani Army.
The Akash air defense system is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile designed to protect dynamic, semi-dynamic and static military installations from various aerial threats. It is equipped with advanced real-time multi-sensor data processing, threat assessment and target shooting capabilities. Compared to the existing Akash system, Akash Prime is equipped with an indigenous active radio frequency (RF) seeker for better accuracy.
Can be deployed at altitudes up to 4,500 meters
Other improvements also ensure more reliable performance in low-temperature environments at high altitudes. A modified ground system of the existing Akash weapon system has also been used. The Akash Prime system has further boosted the confidence of the Indian Army. This missile can be deployed at altitudes up to 4,500 meters and can hit targets located at a distance of about 25-30 kilometers.
Where will the Akash Prime Defense System be deployed?
After this test, Akash Prime can now be inducted into the Indian Army. Officials have indicated that the third and fourth regiments of the Akash air defense system are likely to be equipped with the Akash Prime version. This system has played a vital role in neutralizing drone threats and increasing the overall strength of India’s air defense grid.
